IAQ26: That’s a wrap

Held in Cairns from August 31–September 4, 2026, the event incorporated workshops, keynote sessions, case study presentations, panel discussions, a site tour of the new James Cook University Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre, and an industry expo. 

The theme, From pathways to outcomes: evidence, buildings and human impact, was explored across the key dimensions of air quality, ventilation, managing humidity, policy, international exemplars, innovative equipment and measurement and verification approaches for IAQ. 

Topics that made a consistent appearance both onstage and off during networking sessions included the National Construction Code, particularly Section J, and standards relevant to HVAC including AS 1668. 

The organising committee and members of AIRAH’s Indoor Air Quality Special Technical Group are currently preparing some post-conference articles for our publications – so watch this space. This is a conversation that matters for everyone in HVAC&R and the communities we serve. 

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